MOG Editorial Review

On what would serve as his breakthrough album, Winston "Burning Spear" Rodney crafted a sound that managed to make the dark, political undertones of his lyrics feel uplifting on Marcus Garvey, and the accompanying Garvey's Ghost shows how Rodney became a victim of his record label as well. Named after Jamaica's famed political activist, Burning Spear intended to resurrect the spirit of Marcus Garvey while putting his message and memory into a digestible roots reggae package, and credit is due to backing band the Black Disciples for creating such a laid-back but moving sound. Meanwhile, the double album's second half feels less groundbreaking and heartfelt, a prime example of labels in the '70s attempting to water down reggae artists with unsanctioned dub albums. Even so, Garvey's Ghost can do little to tarnish the greatness of Marcus Garvey.